The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after Pakistan indicated it may reconsider its participation if the standoff over Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India remains unresolved. The development follows reports that Dhaka has formally sought diplomatic and cricketing support from Islamabad.
According to NDTV, the Bangladesh government approached Pakistani officials after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to play its World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns.
A source said, “The Bangladesh government contacted officials in Pakistan to seek support regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup and received a positive response,” adding that “Pakistan has indicated to us that they could reconsider their own participation if Bangladesh’s issue is not addressed.”
Pakistani media outlets, including Geo Super and TelecomAsia.net, reported that Islamabad considers Bangladesh’s position legitimate. Officials in Pakistan said they respect the security concerns raised by their neighbour and will closely monitor the situation to ensure India does not exert undue pressure on the BCB.
Stem of Dispute
The dispute reportedly stems from the abrupt termination of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Following the incident, the BCB raised concerns over player safety in India and formally requested the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, a high-level ICC delegation recently travelled to Dhaka. The delegation included Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager of the ICC Integrity Unit, while Gaurav Saxena, General Manager of Events and Corporate Communications, participated virtually after failing to obtain a Bangladesh visa. Despite the discussions, the BCB maintained its position during the meeting with board president Mohammad Aminul Islam and senior directors.
ICC talks and logistical challenges
After the meeting, the BCB said, “During the discussions, the BCB reiterated its formal request to the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka. The Board also shared the Bangladesh Government’s views and concerns on safety and security of the team, Bangladeshi fans, media and other stakeholders.”
The ICC, however, is understood to be reluctant to agree to the request given the significant logistical challenges involved so close to the tournament. Officials have discussed “the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments.”
The BCB described the talks as “constructive, cordial and professional.”
Fixtures under Threat
Failure to reach a resolution could severely disrupt the tournament schedule. Pakistan are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 6, followed by high-profile matches against India on February 13 in Chennai and February 15 in Colombo.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are slated to open their campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7, with subsequent group matches in Kolkata against Italy and England.
With the tournament set to begin in February, the possibility of withdrawal by two major Asian teams poses a serious threat to the structure and viability of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.